ALRTA News – 18 February 2018

THEBYRNE STAINLESS STEEL STORY

Byrne Trailers have been at the forefront of livestock trailer development for over four decades. Their innovative approach has been well received by the livestock transport industry. Most livestock trailers today are either built by Byrne Trailers, or they look like a Byrne trailer.

But true to form, Byrne Trailers have not stood still, they have continued to listen to customers and their current offerings address one of the biggest enemies of livestock trailers – corrosion.

Byrne Trailers General Manager, David Byrne tells the Byrne Stainless story, “My first real job was in the steel industry. One of the first things you learn is that all steels aren’t the same, and you need to be very careful to use the right steel for the job. We have always known that customers need trailers that are more resistant to rusting out, and we were aware of previous unsuccessful attempts by other trailer builders to use stainless steel. So we searched the world for a material that we could stand behind when we used it to build our trailers. We found a Stainless Steel alloy that is as strong and ductile as the carbon steel we had been using for decades, but is 250 times more corrosion resistant. That means it rusts 250 times slower.”

Byrne Trailers have been offering Stainless Steel trailers since early 2016, and most of the livestock trailers they have built since then have been with this latest material. David continued, “Because we purchase the stainless steel from a first world country, the quality is spot on. It complements the Byrne Trailers brand very well.”

The IRG also met jointly with the National Operational Strategy and Policy Advisory Group which comprises senior representatives from road agencies.

EFFLUENTAND ENERGY PRODUCTION

The ALRTA Executive Director and National Officer met with experts this week to discuss the possibility of using effluent captured at roadside facilities for energy production.

Our association is currently exploring all options for disposing of up to 2.5ML of effluent that we expect could be captured at our proposed site on the Warrego Highway in southern Queensland. We have applied for funding the build the site via a partnership between Queensland Transport and Main Roads and the Federal Building Better Regions Fund.

The site would need to be operated on a cost-recovery basis – so finding productive uses of the captured material will help reduce usage costs for operators.

Our initial discussions have indicated that the liquid component of the material should be suitable as biogas feed stock. Provided that this can be confirmed by testing, and if regulations do not prevent mixing of effluent sources, we are hopeful that we can further explore mutually beneficial arrangements with an existing energy producer.

“The national brake testing standard of 45%g, or 4.4kN/t, was released as part of the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual in 2016,” Mr Bruzsa said.

“The NHVR has worked closely with Roads and Maritime Services and the heavy vehicle industry to look at why some roller brake testing methods deliver differing results, when compared to other in-service brake testing methods.

“The working group has now developed the National roller brake testing procedure with machines used by state jurisdictions to be updated over the next 12 months.

“The working group has focused on identifying issues and delivering a robust procedure that will be effective for all vehicle types using current roller brake testing infrastructure.”

The new National roller brake test procedure will require software updates to roller brake test machines, with initial updates to occur over the next 12 months.

An initial three-month start-up period including information, training and minor equipment changes for state jurisdictions is underway.

Heavy vehicle inspections will continue under the current arrangements until May 1 after which all tests will be performed using either the National roller brake testing procedure or the Alternative phase in procedure.

For roller brake testing machines operated by accredited third party examiners (commonly known as Authorised Inspection Stations) machines will be updated as part of routine servicing over the next 12 months and the new national procedure adopted once the machine is updated.

The NHVR will continue to consult with relevant parties on the effectiveness of the new procedures. Additionally, the NHVR will assess new developments in technology as they become available to determine if further improvements can be made. For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/nrbt

NATIONALTRUCKING AWARDS 2018

The ATA is now calling for nominations for the 2018 National Trucking Industry Awards.

These prestigious awards acknowledge individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond in all fields of endeavour throughout the trucking industry.

Nominations are now open for:

Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry

National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year

National Professional Driver of the Year

National Training Excellence Award

The awards will be presented at Trucking Australia 2018, to be held from 18-20 April at the National Convention Centre, Canberra during the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner. The Don Watson Memorial Award and the TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award will also be presented on the evening.

BPNATIONAL CONFERENCE PROMOTION

The ALRTA/LBRCA National Conference takes place over 23-24 March 2018 in Coffs Harbour.

This is your chance to attend Australia’s prime livestock and rural transporters conference. BP Australia wants you to get involved and are providing you with $500 worth of BP Fuel Vouchers to get you there. BP are supporting two ambassadorial spots for each member state to ensure that each state has the opportunity to attend and be heard.

To apply to be a conference ambassador, simply tell us in 25 words or less why you want to come to the conference.

Our Platinum Partner, BP is a long-time supporter of our industry and have played a critical role in helping us achieve ‘on the ground’ outcomes for our members. Please visit https://www.bp.com/en_au/australia.html to find out more about BP.

NTIENCOURAGES PREPARATIONS FOR SEVERE WEATHER

While much of Australia is experiencing enduring sweltering heat and severe weather warnings, NTI is urging transport and logistics owners and operators to be proactive during this period by revisiting emergency plans.

NTI Chief Executive Officer Tony Clark says extreme weather can escalate quickly, so it’s imperative to have an action plan and to be familiar with it.

“Have a plan and make sure it’s communicated well across your people, so that when it comes time for action, it can be implemented without hesitation,” said Mr Clark.
“We see severe weather interrupt business productivity through destruction of transport infrastructure, vehicles, loss of freight and vehicles or whole businesses flooded.”

“Staying abreast of severe weather warnings like storm conditions and fire hazards, across areas of operation, can make all the difference,” he said.

“There are some great online tools and resources for keeping informed during weather events.”

For those on the road or in transit, NTI suggest keeping your radio on for the latest warnings and ensuring you have a safe action plan if driving or working in high risk areas. This may include, but not be limited to: broken-up roads, bushfires, sever rain and flooding.

In the event of continuing to operate in uncertain weather conditions, NTI recommends:

Arranging for regular, up to date emergency reports from a reliable source.

Making an alternative drive/travel plan which includes at least one detour to your destination.

Accounting for additional travel time if transporting time sensitive goods.

Devising an evacuation strategy for your people, equipment and stock.

NTI encourage talking to your broker regularly to ensure you have adequate cover.